Meaning
Warrior, aggression turned into protection.
Polynesian Tattoo Motif
CentipedeVete
Warrior, aggression turned into protection.
Traditional placement & use
Spine and rib fills.
Cultural context
The Centipede motif is documented in Samoan and Marquesan tattoo traditions. In Samoan work it typically appears spine and rib fills.
Each tradition composes shared motifs differently: the same symbol can carry different weight depending on placement, scale, and the anchor motifs it sits next to. If this motif is on your shortlist, read the culture guide for the tradition it comes from and confirm with an artist trained inside that lineage before committing to a design.
Sources
For culture-by-culture sourced context on this and related motifs, see the factual reference guide or read the myths & misconceptions page for common errors this motif is often caught up in.
Related motifs
Shark Teeth
Niho Mano / Niho Manō
Protection, guidance, ferocity and adaptability. The shark is a guardian aumakua across Polynesia.
Spearheads
Tara
Courage, the warrior spirit and a sting against negativity.
Turtle
Honu
Longevity, family, fertility, navigation and peace. A sacred messenger between worlds.
Sun
Rā
Eternity, leadership, brilliance and rebirth.
Enata
Human figures representing ancestors, relationships and lineage.
Ocean Waves
Tai / Ngaru
Life, continuity, change and the journey. The sea connects all Polynesian peoples.
Frequently asked
What does the Centipede motif mean?
Warrior, aggression turned into protection.
Where does the Centipede motif come from?
The Centipede motif is documented in Samoan and Marquesan tattoo traditions.
Where on the body is the Centipede motif traditionally placed?
Spine and rib fills.
Is it appropriate to wear the Centipede motif?
Placement, gender restrictions and lineage sensitivity vary by tradition. Read the culture guide for the motif's origin and work with an artist trained inside that tradition before committing to the design.
Related
Keep exploring
Samoan Tattoo Designs — Tatau Guide →
Long-form guide covering Centipede in cultural context.
Samoan tradition →
Full culture page for the Samoan tattoo tradition.
Factual reference guide →
Sourced motif meanings, tools, and revival history across all eight traditions.
Myths & misconceptions →
Common inaccuracies about Polynesian motifs corrected with citations.
Every Polynesian motif →
Browse the full 124-motif library organised by culture.
See it in the gallery →
Historical photographs and plates showing this motif in context.
Placement guide →
Which body zones suit which motifs.
Design glossary →
Terms like mana, tapu and tatau, cross-linked to motifs.
Prefer photographs? Jump straight to the Samoan gallery section.
Build a design around Centipede
Pair this symbol with an artist trained inside the tradition it comes from.